‘Skims’ hits $5 billion as Kim Kardashian goes global with massive store rollout

Kim Kardashian’s ‘Skims’ hits $5 billion and launches an aggressive store expansion across the globe

Kim Kardashian’s Skims is getting even bigger, literally. The shapewear giant has reached a staggering $5 billion valuation after securing $225 million in new funding led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, signalling an ambitious new phase of growth focused on global store expansion.

Skims, co-founded by Kardashian and Jens Grede, plans to use this fresh injection of capital to transform itself from an online powerhouse into a physical retail empire. The company already has 18 stores across major U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Austin, along with its first international store in Mexico. The next step is a wave of openings across Europe and Asia, with new flagship locations planned for 2026.

Kardashian’s latest move reflects her plan to make Skims a “predominantly physical business”, a bold shift for a brand that built its reputation as a digital-first success story. The new strategy mirrors traditional fashion giants, placing Skims stores in luxury shopping districts to boost visibility and sales.

The expansion comes after the blockbuster launch of NikeSkims earlier this year, a collaboration with Nike that sold out within hours and catapulted the label into the athleticwear market. Analysts say the partnership proved that Skims has outgrown its shapewear roots and is now competing directly with sportswear titans like Lululemon and Nike itself.

Despite the excitement, the funding round could delay the brand’s anticipated IPO. CEO Jens Grede has hinted at a public debut since 2024, but the challenging retail market has cooled those plans. Instead, the company will focus on scaling its brick-and-mortar network and developing new product categories.

Goldman Sachs praised Skims as a “solutions-driven innovator,” while Kardashian called the new funding “an exciting chapter” for her growing empire. With stores multiplying and profits soaring, Skims is becoming a retail phenomenon reshaping the global fashion industry.